Personal Summary

In addition to leading the bass section in the Missoula Symphony, Joel is an avid performer throughout Montana as bassist with the String Orchestra of the Rockies, the Billings Symphony, and the Helena Symphony. He is also one of the founding members of Regal Ensemble in Hamilton, Mt.

Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Montana, Dr. Schnackel was adjunct professor of double bass and musicology at the University of Central Arkansas. He also taught the courses: Introduction to Music, History of Rock n Roll, Folk and Popular Music, Music Theory, and Music Appreciation at the University of Memphis. He performed throughout the mid-south as principal bassist with the Conway Symphony and section bass in Jackson, North Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tuscaloosa Symphonies, as well as the Savannah Philharmonic.

Dr. Schnackel is co-author of the popular music appreciation text, The Musical Experience, which is used in several universities across the United States. He holds a Ph.D. in historical musicology from the University of Memphis, a M.M. in double bass performance from the University of Memphis, and a B.A. in music composition and technology from the University of Montana.